The Future of Healthcare Since 1921

Our identity as a beacon of hope has always shined brightest in uncertain times. What began in a military hospital during World War I has led generations of caregivers to provide innovative medical care in our community and around the world. Now, 100 years later, Cleveland Clinic is shining brighter than ever before. This hope lights our way forward into the next 100 years.

A Message from Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, MD

Cleveland Clinic was at the forefront of modern medicine when its founders organized it as a multi-specialty group practice in 1921. This innovative spirit lives on today.

In its first 100 years, Cleveland Clinic has introduced many medical firsts, opened facilities around the world and is proud to be ranked among the top hospitals in the country.

State of the Clinic

January 13, 2021

At this annual event, Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, MD, discusses Cleveland Clinic’s strategy, goals, and highlights from 2020.

This year, the event was virtual to maintain a safe environment.

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Top Moments in Cleveland Clinic History

Cleveland Clinic opens

1921: George Crile, Sr., MD, Frank Bunts, MD, William E. Lower, MD, and John Phillips, MD, open Cleveland Clinic as a not-for-profit multispecialty group care organization to provide patient care, research and education.

F. Mason Sones, MD, discovered moving cine-coronary angiography at Cleveland Clinic in 1958. Dr. Sones was a pediatric cardiologist with an interest in angiography – the real-time X-ray visualization of the blood vessels.

Cardiac breakthroughs

1958: The development of selective cine-angiography, together with the world’s first coronary artery bypass graft, lay the groundwork for Cleveland Clinic’s preeminence in heart care.

In 1993, Cleveland Clinic opens Independence Family Health Center.

Expansion in Northeast Ohio

1993: Cleveland Clinic goes from one to many, as family health centers are opened throughout Northeast Ohio. In the 1990s, eight community hospitals join the health system.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi opens in 2015.

Going international

2015: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi opens with cardiac surgery, transplantation and other medical and surgical specialties. With this success well underway, plans were made for a new Cleveland Clinic London which is scheduled to open in 2022.

A Century of Care

Presented by Cleveland Clinic and CNN’s Brand Studio

This documentary-style series provides first-hand accounts of patients and their caregivers, demonstrating Cleveland Clinic’s innovative culture and commitment to patient experience.

Founders Day

February 26, 2021

February 26 marks the anniversary of Cleveland Clinic’s opening ceremony in 1921. Each year on February 26, we honor Cleveland Clinic’s four founders: Frank Bunts, MD; George Crile, Sr., MD; William Lower, MD; and John Phillips, MD.

This year, Founders Day marks the beginning of Cleveland Clinic’s centennial celebration. Save the date for this virtual event, which will include remarks from Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, MD, celebrity guests, and the world premiere of the CNN docuseries: A Century of Care.

Centennial Brand Store

Coming soon: Show your Cleveland Clinic pride with commemorative Centennial gear!

Proceeds from your purchase of Centennial merchandise go to The Power of Every One Centennial campaign to support Cleveland Clinic’s second century of patient care, research and training.

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